Does focus of attention alter craniocervical flexion test motor learning? A randomized controlled trial

The effect of craniocervical flexors endurance training on suprahyoid muscle activation in healthy adults: A randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Cervical posture affects swallowing function through contractile and non-contractile structures. Craniocervical flexor endurance training (CCFET), which focuses on the activation of deep cervical muscles, is used to ensure cervical posture stability.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of CCFET on the suprahyoid muscles (SH), which play an important role in swallowing function.

METHODS

Eighty healthy individuals (52 female and 28 male, mean age 21.77 ± 1.81 years) were recruited and randomly assigned to groups that underwent either deep cervical flexor (DCF) training with a pressure biofeedback unit (CCFET group, n = 41) or no intervention (control group, n = 39). The intervention was applied for 4 weeks (five sessions per week). Static endurance and activation of DCF muscles (Craniocervical Flexion Test, CCFT), tragus-wall distance (TWD) for forward head posture and surface electromyographic (sEMG) activation of suprahyoid muscles were evaluated.

RESULTS

The endurance and activation of the DCF muscles were significantly increased in the CCFET group (p = <.001). In the CCFET group, TWD significantly lower than the control group (p = <.001) Peak SH amplitude and mean SH amplitude were lower in the CCFET group compared to the control group (p = .013, p = .003).

CONCLUSION

The study shows that 4 weeks of CCFET reduced SH muscle activation, allowing the same work to be done with fewer motor units. CCFET can be included in rehabilitation programs as an additional method that has an effect on the muscles involved in swallowing by providing cervical motor control.

Knowledge and use of extrinsic feedback characteristics: A survey of current practice among Brazilian physical therapists

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to identify the knowledge about the different characteristics of and the use of extrinsic feedback (EF) by Brazilian physical therapists.

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional study, and we used an internet-based survey with questions about knowledge and application of extrinsic feedback in clinical practice. We analyzed the responses in relation to the best available evidence on motor control and learning. We recruited Brazilian registered physical therapists from different regions in Brazil. Participants' demographics and survey responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

RESULTS

Two hundred and forty-six Brazilian physical therapists participated in the study. Most participants affirmed not knowing the definition of EF (55.69%), confirmed using some form of EF in their clinical practice (86.59%), and reported using it in 50% to 90% of their patients (26.42%). Brazilian physical therapists reported using mainly summary feedback (69.10%) with external focus of attention (63.41%). Participants reported using concurrent feedback (82.83%) and delivered it after every exercise repetition (63.82%). Most participants (43.09%) did not assess learning retention. Answers were similar regardless of education level or time from graduation.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this survey suggest that Brazilian physical therapists do not have sufficient knowledge about the different characteristics of EF; however, they do consider EF useful and use it for most of their patients. Brazilian physical therapists adopted adequate content characteristics of EF but not adequate use of timing characteristics of EF.